Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has officially unveiled its latest addition to its brand portfolio, The Gateway Bekal in Kerala – God’s Own Country. This full-service upscale hotel offering combines luxury with the natural beauty of Kerala’s landscapes. The property was inaugurated on December 15 by Kerala’s Chief Minister, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan commended the resilience of Kerala’s tourism sector in overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kerala’s tourism sector has successfully navigated the post-pandemic crisis through government-led initiatives such as the revolving fund package, tourism employment support scheme, and tourism houseboat service scheme,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the tangible impact of these projects, noting that Kerala welcomed 1.5 crore domestic tourists in the first half of 2024, marking a 20% increase compared to previous years. He emphasized the significance of ongoing initiatives like responsible tourism, biodiversity projects, the North Malabar tourism circuit, pilgrim tourism, and heritage tourism, which continue to draw significant attention.
He added that Bekal had emerged as a key tourism destination, with visitor numbers increasing from 50,000 annually to over 5 lakh. The newly inaugurated five-star resort, built on 32 acres with an investment of ₹150 crore, is expected to further enhance the region’s appeal.
Mr. P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism and Public Works, Government of Kerala, who presided over the resort’s inauguration, underscored the importance of developing North Malabar to boost Kerala’s tourism growth.
“The completion of National Highway 66 by December 2025 and the hilly highway connecting 13 districts will significantly improve connectivity, eliminate travel barriers, and unlock the tourism potential of the region,” he said.
The Minister pointed out that Bekal is set to become the first region in the country to host three five-star hotels within a single panchayat, further solidifying its position as a premier tourism hub.
Reimagined Gateway Brand
IHCL’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, said: “The reimagined Gateway brand introduces a full-service hotel offering in the upscale segment, tailored to capture growth opportunities in micro-markets of metros and Tier II and Tier III cities. Gateway will cater to the growing domestic demand for quality accommodations with large banqueting facilities in emerging cities.”
He added: “The launch of Gateway Bekal marks the beginning of a brand rollout, with the migration of four existing hotels in Nashik, Coonoor, Madurai, and Chikmagalur. Our current portfolio of 17 hotels is projected to grow to 100 by 2030.”
The reimagined Gateway brand captures the essence of each destination, embracing local culture and ethos to truly become “The Gateway to the Destination.” Guests can expect vibrant, culturally inspired spaces that reflect the spirit of their location, alongside generously sized guestrooms and suites, localized culinary offerings, extensive banqueting spaces, and recreation facilities.
Ms. Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader of Gateway Hotels & Resorts at IHCL, shared: “Nestled amidst Kerala’s serene backwaters, Gateway Bekal is a riverside retreat showcasing the destination’s character through art, design, and cultural nuances. Unique experiential touchpoints, such as a high-tea cart in the hotel lobby, highlight the local food culture and serve as a window to the destination.”
Luxurious Amenities and Unique Experiences
On this milestone occasion, Mr. C. Prabhakar, Director of Gopalan Enterprises, remarked: “The Gateway Resort in Bekal is a significant addition to Gopalan Enterprises’ growing hospitality portfolio. This collaboration with the Taj Group reflects our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences that seamlessly blend luxury and nature. Bekal’s growing popularity as a tourism hotspot makes it the perfect location for a resort that promises relaxation, opulence, and sustainability”.
He further emphasized: “The Gateway Resort will contribute to the local community and environment through a strong focus on sustainability and eco-tourism, promoting responsible travel that benefits both the traveler and the local ecosystem.”
Bekal – A Landmark Destination
Strategically situated in Bekal, one of Kerala’s most serene and picturesque destinations, the Gateway Resort is perfectly positioned to leverage the region’s burgeoning tourism industry. The prime location provides a breathtaking backdrop, seamlessly merging Kerala’s natural beauty with a distinctive, sustainable, and luxurious hospitality experience.
The Gateway Bekal is managed by IHCL in collaboration with Gopalan Enterprises, a renowned name in real estate, hospitality, and sustainable development, and the Kerala State-owned PSU Bekal Resort Development Corporation Limited. The resort blends the region’s cultural heritage with world-class amenities to offer an immersive luxury experience Strategically located amidst the picturesque backwaters of Northern Kerala, is owned by Gopalan Enterprises, a prominent name in real estate, hospitality, and sustainable development. The resort has quickly become a landmark destination, blending the region’s cultural heritage with world-class amenities to offer an immersive experience where luxury meets nature.
Gateway Bekal offers 151 spacious rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, along with diverse dining options like Earth Pavilion, an all-day diner serving delectable meals, and High Tide, a vibrant bar featuring signature cocktails. Guests can engage in unique facilities and recreational activities like a children’s pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, birdwatching, unique experiential touchpoints like art and dance workshops, houseboat rides, and jogging along a 1.5 km riverside track.
The hotel also boasts versatile banqueting spaces, including a sundial amphitheater, a grand ballroom, and a banquet hall, along with two meeting rooms. Recreational facilities include a children’s pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
With its strategic location, immersive experiences, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Gateway Bekal is poised to become a cornerstone of Kerala’s vibrant tourism landscape.
